Pray For Me

The Big Day

Two months later

Jude sits quietly on the couch, people hustling around her. Octavia is sleeping on her mother's chest.

"Honey, you look beautiful," Jude's mother smiles, stroking Jude's beautifully curled hair.

Jude offers a weak smile, eyes darting around the room. Julia and Mary Eunice are getting changed into their dresses.

Jude contacted Mary Eunice just weeks ago, inviting her down for the wedding. Of course, there had been a tearful reunion between the two.

Octavia sits up and rubs her eyes, smiling with new teeth up at her mother. She had turned a year old just yesterday.

"Hi!"

"Hello, love bug," Jude chuckles, kissing her daughter's forehead. Octavia sits on her mother's lap happily, playing with her shoes. Jude fidgets with her string of pearls, jumping when her mother places the veil on top of her head.

"You look amazing, auntie," Julia smiles, taking Octavia from Jude and walking around with her.

"Thank you, Darling."

Jude stands and steps in front of the full body mirror, smoothing her sleeves down her forearms. She leans her head against Mary Eunice who comes to stand beside her.

"You look stunning, Jude. Thank you for reaching out. I missed you."

"I missed you too. I'm glad you could be here for this. I can't imagine this day without you."

The two women hug, Jude teary eyed already.

"You'll ruin your makeup! Don't cry before the vows," Mary Eunice chuckles, holding Jude's hands. Jude laughs and dabs her makeup with a tissue.

Kit pops his head in.

"Hey, Jude are you ready? You look beautiful, by the way."

"Daddy!" Julia exclaims. "No boys in here!"

"It's okay, Jules. Timothy is waiting."

Jude nods, takes a deep breath, and links arms with her mother. Jude waits in the corridor, watching Octavia walk into the chapel, throwing white flower petals. Mary Eunice walks in next, arm in arm with Timothy's brother, and Julia walks with Kit. Everyone stands and turns in anticipation, waiting for Jude. Her mother pats her arm, and they walk through the doors. Timothy sees her and tears up. His brother pats him on the back and he chuckles. Jude stifles a cry and shakes her head, kissing her mother on the cheek and turning to face Timothy.

"You look stunning, my love."

"Were you expecting any less?" She chuckles, wiping her cheeks. Timothy smiles and takes her hand, turning to face the priest. They go through the ceremony, and Jude can hear her mother crying behind her. Jude looks behind her to Mary Eunice and smiles at the girl. Julia smiles and waves, which Jude returns. Octavia is sitting on the stairs, pulling apart the extra flower petals. Jude chuckles and turns back to Timothy, looking into his eyes.

"Timothy, did you prepare vows?"

Timothy nods and fumbles in his pocket for the folded piece of paper. The priest hands him a microphone, and he clears his throat.

"My rara Avis, I have been in love with you since the moment you came to work with me. I used to sit in my office at Briarcliff and wonder how God could send me such a celestial creature and expect me to stay loyal to him. We have been through a lot together, and honestly, I'm so undeserving of you. You are always kind and patient, with me and Octavia. I feel so honored to share the experience of parenthood with you, and I hope we can expand some day." Timothy chuckles and looks into her eyes. Jude laughs and blushes, hands covering her mouth as she cries. "I'm grateful for every day we are together, and I'm extremely grateful that you were there to help me pull trough after the shooting," his voice cracks, but he continues. "The thought of you having to raise our daughter alone, it made me fight ten times harder. You are the reason I'm standing here today, my rare bird, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm very lucky to have you, and to be marrying you. I love you so much, Jude. Thank you for always being by my side."